Pumpkin pizza, pumpkin pancakes: Here are some creative ways to use your leftover jack-o-lanterns

Now that Halloween is over, Canadians are probably looking for ideas on what to do with their jack-o-lanterns. 

Well, meal box company Chefs Plate has compiled a list of some ways Canadians can easily repurpose their leftover pumpkins and turn them into delicious seasonal treats. 

“According to Statistics Canada, Canada produces over 80,000 metric tonnes of pumpkins annually, but the majority of these pumpkins are not used for consumption. Instead, they are carved, used for decoration and thrown away,” the release read. 

In addition, Chefs Plate found that the average Canadian household discards approximately $2,000 worth of food annually, either due to its expiry date or because it is unwanted. 

To help with this dilemma, the company is providing some creative recipes for Canadians to use their leftover pumpkins this fall:

Pumpkin Hummus

Ingredients:

• 240 ml homemade pumpkin puree
• 1 can (or 425 grams) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 60 ml tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 ml lemon juice
• 30 ml olive oil
• 5 grams ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and ground cumin.
2. Process the mixture until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season the pumpkin hummus with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Transfer the pumpkin hummus to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with paprika and chopped fresh herbs.
5. Serve the pumpkin hummus with pita bread, tortilla crisps, or vegetable sticks. Enjoy your seasonal twist on this classic dip!

Pumpkin Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza crust (shop-bought or homemade)
• 240 ml pumpkin puree
• 240 grams grated mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., caramelised onions, roasted vegetables, crispy bacon, or your favourite pizza toppings)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust instructions.
2. Roll out your pizza dough on a pizza stone or baking tray.
3. Spread an even layer of pumpkin puree over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pumpkin puree or for a haunting Halloween twist, use a ghost shaped pizza cutter to cut your mozzarella cheese and add tiny slices of olives for eyes and mouths. 
5. Add your chosen toppings.
6. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven according to the pizza crust instructions or until the cheese is melted, and the crust is golden and crisp.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve. Enjoy your delectable pumpkin pizza with its rich and slightly sweet base!

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 240 ml old-fashioned oats
• 480 ml milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 120 ml pumpkin puree
• 2.5 grams ground cinnamon
• 1.25 grams ground nutmeg
• 30-45 ml maple syrup (or to taste)
• Optional toppings: roasted pears, chopped nuts, raisins, or additional maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the oats and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pumpkin, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal thickens and the pumpkin is fully incorporated.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the maple syrup to taste.
5. Serve the pumpkin oatmeal hot, garnished with your choice of toppings, such as chopped nuts, raisins, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup. 

Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 240 ml all-purpose flour
• 60 grams sugar
• 5 grams baking powder
• 2.5 grams bicarbonate of soda
• 2.5 grams salt
• 5 grams ground cinnamon
• 2.5 grams ground nutmeg
• 240 ml pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 240 ml buttermilk
• 30 ml melted butter
• Chopped pecans (for topping)
• Maple syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
5. Pour the pancake batter onto the pan, using the recommended amount for each. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve your pumpkin pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chocolate. Enjoy your delightful autumn-inspired breakfast!